Menstrual Product Initiative

Menstrual Product Initiative

The Menstrual Product Initiative was passed under the 2020-21 Undergraduate Student Government’s Director of Initiatives, Julia Cilleruelo Fernandez del Moral. This initiative required an abundance of research not only on the importance of providing these products, but how to do so in an inclusive manner that would be compatible with the IU administration. As a result, beginning in February 2021 free pads and tampons will be available in women’s, men’s, and all-gender restrooms across the IUPUI Campus. If you are experiencing period poverty and need access to more free menstrual products, visit the campus food pantry Paws’ Pantry, in Campus Center 130. All students are eligible with a valid CrimsonCard. Visit paws.iupui.edu for more information.

Timeline

  • In 2018, the Senate passed resolution to show its commitment to increasing the availability of menstrual products at IUPUI.
  • In 2019, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) purchased menstrual products that were distributed across campus offices.
  • In June 2020, the Menstrual Product Initiative was created by Julia Cilleruelo Fernandez del Moral, USG director of initiatives.
  • Throughout summer 2020, Julia focused on gathering information from IU Bloomington and IU Southeast on how the universities had accomplished this initiative, and what the costs were.
  • From June to October 2020, Julia began gathering input from experienced administrators and used the feedback to guide the initiative in the right direction.
  • By the end of fall 2020, the Menstrual Product Initiative already had the support from over 1,000 students, 50 organizations, the Division of Student Affairs, and more than five offices across IUPUI.
  • USG made a proposal to Campus Facilities and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration in December.
  • Dispensers began to be installed by the end of January 2021 in women’s, men’s, and all-gender restrooms.